The Sci-Tech European Finals 2026 spotlighted youth innovation in plastic recycling.
Event
Sci-Tech European Finals 2026, Brussels, 23-24 April 2026
Brussels, 24 April 2026 – Hosted at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the Sci-Tech European Finals 2026 featured a welcome speech from Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy. The event brought together national winning teams from Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary and Netherlands, to compete for the title of Best STEM Sci-Tech School in Europe through solutions that explored how mechanical and chemical recycling can be combined to process plastic waste more efficiently and reduce its impact.
The Sci-Tech Challenge, designed by JA Europe and ExxonMobil, encourages students aged 15 to 18 to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), while applying their knowledge to real-world industrial and sustainability challenges.
From national winners to European champions: THE SPAGHETS from Cyprus takes the title with an innovative solution for plastic circularity
At the European Finals, student teams pitched their solutions before a professional jury after taking part in a dynamic challenge experience including mentoring, teamwork, and live presentations. Each team was asked to respond to a pressing question: How can mechanical and chemical recycling be optimally combined to process plastic waste more efficiently and minimize its impact?
Following the final round of presentations, THE SPAGHETS from Cyprus was named the winner of the Sci-Tech European Finals 2026. Their solution, ClearFlow, impressed the jury with a strong, science-based concept combining advanced sorting and recycling technologies to address cost, efficiency, and environmental impact in plastic recycling.
Congratulations to Samantha Zara Cummings, Constantina Hope Loizou, Christos Phylactou, Ofer Shefi, and Elena Zouvani from Xenion High School in Cyprus for earning the title of Best STEM Sci-Tech School in Europe 2026.
Professional Jury Sci-Tech European Finals 2026
Chair of the Jury
Alice Wells – Executive Vice President, ExxonMobil Europe, ExxonMobil
Jury Members
Xavier Milcent – Sustainability Business Venture Executive, ExxonMobil
Joanna Drake – Deputy Director-General for Planet, People & Science for Policy, DG RTD, European Commission
Chiara Colella – Policy Officer, Digital Education, DG EAC, European Commission
Francesca Stevens – Managing Director, EUROPEN, the European Organization for Packaging and Environment
Jeroen Kelder – Managing Partner & Co-founder, Infinity Recycling
JA Europe and ExxonMobil also extend their sincere thanks to the European Economic and Social Committee for hosting the final, and specially to Mr Florian Marin, President of Free Trade Union in Romania.
“This achievement represents more than a winning idea, it reflects bold thinking, strong collaboration, and the determination to tackle one of the defining challenges of our generation. The winning team distinguished itself through vision, impact, and the ability to turn innovation into something meaningful and scalable. Congratulations for setting a powerful example of what’s possible when creativity meets purpose.”, Alice Wells, Executive Vice President, ExxonMobil Europe, ExxonMobil
“I’m inspired by how young people show that STEM is about curiosity, teamwork, and solving real-world problems. Now in its 17th edition and with over 60,000 students involved, the Sci-Tech Challenge keeps growing in quality and impact, with more creative and powerful ideas each year. I’m deeply grateful to ExxonMobil for their continued support in helping equip the next generation with the STEM and entrepreneurial skills they need for the future.”, Diana Filip, Deputy CEO and Chief Development Officer, JA Europe
About Sci-Tech Challenge
The Sci-Tech Challenge is an annual European initiative developed by JA Europe and ExxonMobil to inspire young people to pursue STEM-related pathways and to strengthen their problem-solving, scientific reasoning, and innovation skills. The programme includes classroom activities, national competitions, and a European final.
In 2026, the challenge focused on the circularity of plastic products, inviting students to rethink how plastic waste can be managed at scale. Participants were asked to explore how mechanical and chemical recycling methods can work together more effectively. The challenge was designed not only to raise awareness of environmental issues, but also to help students connect STEM learning with real industrial applications and future career paths in science and engineering.
About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil is one of the largest publicly traded international energy and chemical companies in the world. Through technology and innovation, it aims to help meet society’s evolving needs for energy and essential products.
About JA Europe
JA Europe is the largest and leading organisation in Europe dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed. For over 100 years, JA Worldwide has delivered hands-on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial health. In the last school year, the JA Europe network in over 40 countries provided over 7.5 million learning experiences for youth in online, in person and blended formats, the organisation provided over 95,500 teaching experiences and 86,500 volunteering and mentoring experiences.
For interviews or additional information:
Maryna Venneri
Senior Development Associate
maryna@jaeurope.org
+32492439144
Fadwa Lahssini
ExxonMobil Spokesperson
fadwa.lahssini@exxonmobil.com
+32489186354
